According to the National Association of Realtors, 58% of realtors claimed that home staging typically impacted the home’s ease of sale, while 31% said that home staging has an effect, but not always. With the right DIY home staging tips, you can create a space that appeals to potential buyers and sells more quickly.
Fast Facts about Home Staging
- According to TheZebra.com, 82% of buyers' agents stated that staging a home made it easier for buyers to envision the property as their future residence.
- 47% of real estate agents believe that home staging influenced most buyers' perception of the home.
- In 2019, the average amount spent on home staging was $400 (National Association of Realtors).
- The two least crucial rooms to stage are the home office and guest bedrooms.
- Homes professionally staged spend 73% less time on the market compared to unstaged homes.
- Homes staged before being listed sold for 25% more than unstaged homes.
Home Staging Defined
Home staging is the art of preparing a property for sale by enhancing its appeal to potential buyers. This process usually involves decluttering, cleaning, rearranging furniture, and adding decorative elements to make the space more attractive and inviting. The goal is to help prospective buyers imagine themselves living in the home, ultimately increasing the likelihood of a sale.
Why is Home Staging Important?
Home staging is essential because it helps create a positive first impression for potential buyers. A well-staged home highlights the property's best features and makes it easier for buyers to envision the space as their own. This emotional connection can lead to a faster sale and, in some cases, a higher selling price.
What are Your Home Staging Options?
When it comes to home staging, you have several options. You can choose to stage the property yourself, hire a professional home stager, or ask your real estate agent for assistance. Each option has its advantages and challenges, so it's essential to weigh your options carefully before deciding.
Can I Do Home Staging Myself?
Yes, you can stage your home yourself by following some simple DIY home staging tips. Many homeowners find that they can effectively stage their homes without professional help, as long as they're willing to invest time and effort into the process. This option can also be more budget-friendly than hiring a professional stager.
Can Real Estate Agents Stage My Home?
Some real estate agents offer home staging services or can recommend professional home stagers they have worked with in the past. If your agent offers this service, be sure to discuss the details, including costs and the extent of their involvement, to ensure you're comfortable with the arrangement.
What Do Professional Home Stagers Do?
Professional home stagers are experts in preparing properties for sale. They use their knowledge of design, layout, and buyer preferences to create an inviting atmosphere that appeals to as many potential buyers as possible. Their services typically include decluttering, rearranging furniture, and adding decorative touches to enhance the property's overall appeal.
Home Staging Costs
The cost of home staging can vary depending on factors such as the size of your home, the extent of the staging, and whether you choose to work with a professional stager. On average, homeowners spent $400 on home staging in 2019, according to the National Association of Realtors. Keep in mind that DIY home staging can be a more budget-friendly option, though it will require more time and effort on your part.
Is Home Staging Worth It?
Yes, home staging is often well worth the effort and cost. A well-staged home can appeal to more potential buyers, sell more quickly, and even command a higher selling price. According to TheZebra.com, homes that were professionally staged before being listed sold for 25% more than unstaged homes. With such significant potential benefits, staging your home can be a smart investment.
How Can I Stage My House for Cheap?
Home staging doesn't have to be expensive. Here are some cost-effective strategies:
- Declutter your space: Removing unnecessary items can make your home look more spacious and inviting.
- Deep clean: A clean home is more appealing to potential buyers. Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms.
- Patch and repair: Addressing minor issues like scuffs on walls or leaky faucets can make a big difference.
- Depersonalize the space: Remove personal photos and items to help buyers imagine themselves living in the home.
- Choose neutral colors: Neutral shades appeal to a wide range of tastes and make spaces seem larger and brighter.
How Do You Stage a House for Pictures?
When staging your home for pictures, keep in mind that photos should highlight the best features of your property. Clean and declutter each room, ensure ample lighting, and consider using a wide-angle lens to capture more of the space. Make sure to showcase key areas like the living room, dining room, master bedroom, and kitchen.
Expert Home Staging Tips
Declutter
Clear out unnecessary items to make your home look more spacious. Potential buyers need to visualize their own belongings in the space, not yours.
Deep Clean
Give your home a thorough cleaning. Pay attention to often-overlooked areas like baseboards, window sills, and grout lines.
Patch and Repair
Small damages like cracks or chips can be a turn-off for potential buyers. Fix these minor issues to present a well-maintained home.
Depersonalize the Space
Remove personal items like family photos and memorabilia. Prospective buyers need to imagine the house as their future home, not yours.
Choose Neutral Colors
Neutral colors appeal to most buyers and can make your home feel brighter and more spacious.
Make Use of Natural Lighting
Open all curtains or blinds to allow as much natural light as possible. This can make your home feel warm and inviting.
Rearrange Your Furniture
Position your furniture to highlight each room's best features. Remember, less is more.
Make Sure Rooms are Well-Defined
Each room should have a clear purpose. If you have a room that's used for multiple purposes, choose one function for staging.
Improve Curb Appeal
The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see. Make a great first impression with well-manicured landscaping, a clean driveway, and a fresh coat of paint on the front door.
What Should You Not Do When Staging a House?
Avoid over-personalizing the space. While your home may reflect your personal style, remember that potential buyers may have different tastes. Keep decor neutral and avoid bold color schemes. Also, avoid cluttering the space. While staging, less is often more.
Frequently Asked Questions about Home Staging
What Happens to Furniture After Staging?
If you've rented furniture for staging, it will be removed after the photos are taken or after the home sells. If you've used your own furniture, you'll take it with you when you move.
Is It Better to Sell a House Empty or Staged?
While an empty house can make it easier for potential buyers to imagine their own furnishings in the space, a staged house helps to highlight the property's best features and potential. A well-staged home can often feel more inviting and appealing to buyers.
Should You Set the Table When Staging a Home?
Yes, setting the table can create an inviting look and help prospective buyers visualize entertaining in the home. However, it's important to keep the setting simple and elegant — avoid overly personal or themed tableware.
What is the Difference between Home Staging and Interior Design?
While both involve creating aesthetically pleasing spaces, the goals are different. Interior design is about personalizing a space to suit the homeowner's tastes and lifestyle. Home staging, on the other hand, is about depersonalizing a space to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible.
About the McCooey-Olivieri Team
The McCooey-Olivieri Team is deeply committed to delivering excellent service and meticulous attention to detail in every real estate transaction. Their team expanded in 2020 and now boasts eight members with a combined experience of over 50 years in the real estate industry.
Having achieved a total sales volume of over $200 million, they serve a diverse range of clients from Manhattan to The Hamptons. Their proven track record of success is evident in their ranking among the top 1.49% of Medium Teams nationwide, according to Real Trends 2021 Rankings.
Whether you're a first-time home buyer or a seasoned seller, the McCooey-Olivieri Team is dedicated to making your experience as seamless as possible. They work tirelessly to educate their clients about the real estate market and ensure smooth, stress-free transactions.
With their emphasis on integrity, professionalism, and the use of cutting-edge technology and innovative marketing strategies, the McCooey-Olivieri Team stands out in the real estate industry.
If you're looking to buy or sell a home or have any questions about the New York real estate market, contact the McCooey-Olivieri Team today. Let their expertise and dedication work to your advantage in your next real estate endeavor.
